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VDOT: Drivers should delay travel
The Virginia Department of Transportation asks drivers in the Fredericksburg area to delay travel this morning.
UPDATE: (12:29 p.m.)
By noon, road conditions on Interstate 95 and primary roads like U.S. 1 and State Route 3 had improved, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation. VDOT said it has made progress on clearing key highways now that the snowstorm has moved out of the Fredericksburg area. Drivers on I-95 will now find bare pavement, with isolated spots of snow, slush and ice. Primary roads were upgraded to minor to moderate condition, with some snow or ice on sections of the road. Heavily-traveled secondary roads are also in minor to moderate condition. Subdivision streets and less-traveled secondary roads are still in severe condition, according to VDOT.
Date published: 3/2/2009 The Virginia Department of Transportation asks drivers in the Fredericksburg area to delay travel this morning. Road crews are currently out applying chemicals, salt and abrasives to provide traction on Interstate 95, primary roads and major secondary roads, but even well-traveled streets will have snow or ice covering part of the road. Drivers will face severe conditions on smaller secondary roads and subdivision streets, according to VDOT, and roads are blocked in many neighborhoods by downed trees and power lines. “Motorists need to use extreme caution, even if they have four-wheel drive,” said Tina Bundy, VDOT spokeswoman for the Fredericksburg District. “Under that layer of snow is a layer of glazed ice, so it’s going to be slippery. We’re doing as much as we can as fast as we can,” Bundy said. VDOT crews are clearing Interstate 95 first, followed by primary routes like U.S. 1, State Route 3 and State Route 610. Next VDOT will clear key secondary roads like Courthouse Road in Stafford, and Harrison Road, Leavells Road and Salem Church Road in Spotsylvania. Subdivision streets are cleared last. VDOT aims to have every road passable 24 hours after a storm ends. Below-freezing temperatures, low driver visibility and windy conditions are adding to the challenge of driving this morning. VDOT asks anyone who must drive to reduce their speed, allow extra travel time, wear a seat belt, and keep at least a five-second distance between vehicles. Drivers should not attempt to pass a snow plow. “Practice common sense. Remember that your car cannot start, stop, or turn as quickly and surely on snow or ice as it does on dry pavement, so think and drive accordingly,” according to a VDOT statement. If you are clearing a driveway at home, VDOT asks that residents shovel snow to the right side or end of their driveway. This way, VDOT snow plows will not push additional snow back into your driveway as they come through your neighborhood. --Kelly Hannon
Date published: 3/2/2009
money is one thing....
(posted by
blitzburgh
, Mar. 2, 2009 7:48 pm)
...safety is another. I think it was obvious this morning, VDOT was either saving money on salt costs, or inadequate when charged with clearing snow from the roadways. The Governor should do something about it before someone gets killed.
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